which doctor to consult for ankle swelling

If your heart can’t pump blood effectively, blood may end up pooling in the lowest part of your body—your feet and legs. Nevertheless, most people do not have any edema or swelling … Top answers from doctors based on your search: Disclaimer. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. consult a orthopedist. What are the complications of swollen feet and ankles? It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or illness or act as a substitute for professional medical advice. You may not need to call 911, but you should contact your doctor immediately or visit an urgent care clinic if you have new or increasing ankle swelling and: You are pregnant and the swelling has gotten worse or appeared suddenly. that is swollen is in particular on one ankle (although both are swollen) and the red area is just above the ankle. When the cause is minor or temporary, swollen ankles are often treatable at home, but there are some cases when they need to be treated by a doctor. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. There are a number of reasons that your ankles may be swollen, so you should always consult your doctor to get a definite answer. In our clinic, we usually see ankle or feet swelling when the treatment is a once a day dose of 10 mg, but some people have swelling in a dose of 5 mg. everyday foods can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. A common medication given to people with ankle edema is a diuretic—a water pill. Which kind of doctor will treat swollen feet and ankles? LET'S TALK. Swollen ankles are a common complaint in primary care and are often difficult to manage. Sign up for our free "Healthy Living News", Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), View All Bones, Joints and Muscles Articles, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/, https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/whats-causing-those-swollen-feet, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003104.htm, 8 Sleep Tips to Ease Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain, 10 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis, 7 Signs You're Ready for Knee Replacement, Bruised Rib: Symptoms, Treatments & Recovery, Ganglion Cyst: Frequently Asked Questions, Safe Exercises When Recovering from Bruised Ribs, 8 Bone and Joint Problems That Can Be Treated in a Telehealth Visit, 10 Tips for Protecting Joints With Psoriatic Arthritis, 8 Tips for Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon, 11 Things Your Orthopedic Specialist Wants You to Know. What’s causing those swollen feet? Home Remedies to Relieve Swollen Ankle No Pain 1. However, you may need to see a specialist, especially if you have a history of other medical conditions, are pregnant, or have been referred to one by your primary physician. The location of the blocked or damaged lymph node determines where the fluid will accumulate and cause swelling. Eat a healthy diet, low in salt. Blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Along with your doctor’s treatment plan, some Treatment for swollen ankles depends entirely on the cause. March 15, 2020. For example, edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues, looks puffy. Learn more about the causes of swollen ankles, including lymphedema, pregnancy, cellulitis, and blood clots, here. While seeing a specialist is beneficial, you may want to see your primary healthcare provider for your ankle swelling. Severe hit on the ankle bone, later swollen and bruised ankle, persisting pain, mild swelling only at night. Your doctor will examine you to check for swelling beyond your ankles and for any other symptoms. Nonemergency problems related to leg swelling still need prompt care. Magnesium Supplements. Your veins return blood to the heart after the blood has circulated to the rest of your body. Typically, swelling will reside naturally within two weeks of the injury, even with more severe ankle sprains. If your family doctor or obstetrician believes the swelling or edema may be caused by heart, kidney or liver disease, you may be referred to a specialist. How are swollen feet and ankles diagnosed and treated? 80 views. 1. Other causes may be more traumatic or serious. How To Reduce Ankle Swelling . Swelling of the ankle and feet is relatively frequent symptom in most people. It is important you see your doctor to be sure its nothing serious. You will need to provide your doctor with a list of any medications you are currently taking, any conditions you have recently been diagnosed with and any other factors regarding your medical history that he or she may require. Long airplane flights or car rides, as well as standing for long periods of time, often lead to some swelling in the feet and ankles. Compound Exercises. If your symptoms and physical examination suggest the possibility of any of these conditions, your doctor will order various diagnostic tests. Here's how to soothe the swelling. Treatment with blood thinners may be necessary. Liver disease affects your entire body. While in bed or sitting comfortably, raise your legs with pillows or a foot rest. Wear compression socks or support stockings. X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source A swollen ankle can be painful and inconvenient, so you likely want to feel better fast. Find out about psoriatic arthritis. 1 comment. The pressure from the baby on the blood vessels that drain blood from the lower part of your body can cause swelling in the ankles. A swollen foot may be caused blood vessel blockage, lymphatic blockage, or trauma from an injury. A 40-year-old member asked: how long can swelling and aching last after a foot fracture? Before your appointment, consider the following tips: This ensures whatever problem you are having doesn’t get worse, and that you can get on top of a solution to the issue ASAP. Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs often goes away on its own. Distal means distant from the center of the body, so in this case, the location would be near the ankle. Get your query answered 24*7 only on | Practo Consult The specialist who most frequently will see ankle injuries/problems is an Orthopedic Surgeon. If you already have a cardiologist or nephrologist, or if you are pregnant and have an OB/Gyn, you could see these specialists. Mr. Ask the Doctor: Swollen Ankles Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day. Bruised rib exercises are an important element of bruised rib recovery, as staying active can help encourage healing and reduce complications. If standing or sitting for long periods, move your legs as much as you can to help your blood pump back up to your heart. If you are unable to find relief through elevating your legs for a few hours, you may need antibiotics if you have an infection, a wrap or splint if you have a sprain or injury or you may need to adjust your medications if drugs are causing the swelling as a side effect. In these situations, swollen ankles could be a sign of a serious illness. Foot, leg, and ankle swelling. If you have not had an injury to your feet and/or ankles, and you are having swelling, make sure you check in with your doctor because it could be a symptom of a Elevation. Compression. If the swelling is caused by varicose veins (venous insufficiency), you may be referred to a vascular surgeon. If severe swelling occurs after this, you may want to consult your doctor for an ankle injury. If you’re willing to try a few new things, though, you might find some relief. If your family doctor or obstetrician believes the swelling or edema may be caused by heart, kidney or liver disease, you may be referred to a specialist. Some medications, particularly those for high blood pressure, could cause ankle swelling as a side effect. In general, chronic swelling of one leg is more likely to be local whereas bilateral swelling usually has a systemic cause such as cardiac failure, but may be due to a local or lymphatic problem. Been to my PCP and was told both times it is neuropathy. This swelling is your body’s inflammatory reaction to the injury. Get an overview of bruised ribs, including symptoms and causes of bruised ribs, the difference between bruised rib cartilage vs. pulled muscle, and bruised rib treatment and exercises. Since there are no particular medications for swollen feet and ankles, most doctors recommend trying home remedies, but without going too far. Schedule a visit with a doctor in your city. [1-4] RECOMMENDED FOR YOU. If the swelling is caused by varicose veins (venous insufficiency), you may be referred to a vascular surgeon. Once your doctor has determined the cause of the swelling, a treatment plan will be designed. For more serious causes of swollen ankles, you will be seen by an emergency room doctor who will determine if you should be treated right away or if you need to be referred to a specialist, like a cardiologist or nephrologist (kidney specialist). Your ankles can be swollen for many reasons including injury, sodium, high blood pressure, medications, and even time of day. Keep weight off your ankle as much as possible. Marijke Vroomen Durning, RN, has been writing health information for the past 20 years. Most of the time, the situation will resolve itself, but sometimes it can linger and negatively affect your quality of life. Dr. Schultz discusses what an ankle sprain is, the different types, how to tell if you have one and how long a sprained ankle stays swollen. cause? Ask your doctor about exercises you can do that may reduce swelling. my daughter is experiencing ankle swelling, ankle pain, knee pain, knee swelling, flatfeet, calf pain and legs cramping. Some of the symptoms of Ankle Sprain: Severe pain after twisting ankle; Swelling; May have bleeding under skin; Unable to put weight on foot; When should you consult a doctor? If you sit still for a long time or you cross your legs while sitting, the blood flow may slow down, resulting in edema. Harvard Health Publishing. The post 5 Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor About Your Swollen Feet and Ankles appeared first on Experienced Podiatrists | Advanced Podiatry. do get a xray/mri to assess the internal injury. Swollen legs and ankles may be a result of a benign cause or a potentially life-threatening condition. If you’re suffering from swollen ankles that won’t seem to go away, you’ll need to see a doctor. Cortland (330) 637-2915. Swollen ankles, aka edema in the medical world, is caused by a buildup of fluid in the ankles. Hi... 2 weeks ago, a 7 ft shipping pallet fell and hit me dead in the ankle bone. Your doctor will decide on the course of treatment for swollen feet and ankles depending on their cause. Talk to your doctor and see what of the following natural remedies for swollen feet and ankles could help you. Sometimes an ankle-wrap can help swelling and stabilize the area. Then the doctor will examine the ankle, noting the amount of swelling and bruising. Columbiana (330) 482-2161. If your swollen ankles occur along with shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911. But irrespective of how long you have had a sprained ankle, consult your doctor in the following circumstances: Your ankle is extremely painful or is bruised. This may be signs of an emerging condition, it could suggests kidney problems, which in turn may be a sign of heart problems, or it might be symptomatic of other things. in the case of kidney or liver damage. Hear from real doctors who treat orthopedic conditions and perform surgery. If you experience mild swelling, this generally tends to resolve without the need for treatment, however, more severe and chronic swelling of the foot/feet and ankle/s will require medical attention. Other causes of swelling in one foot include skin infections like cellulitis, or ankle arthritis which can also be the cause of one swollen ankle. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor for the right dosage. should not be neglected. Disclaimer - MyMed.com is for informational purposes only. If it is caused by heart, liver, or kidney disease, you will be treated for the diseases, which then may result in the edema going down. Ask doctors free. For most people, swollen ankles are not serious, but in the cases when they are, it’s important to get prompt medical care. Read more » Here are some of the most common causes of swollen ankles: Standing for long periods. He or she may also ask a few questions to gain insight into what might be causing the swelling. Make an appointment as soon as possible so that your doctor can diagnose the cause. Chances are high that we have all experienced ankle swelling at some point in our lives. If you haven’t injured your ankle seriously or you don’t have reason to believe there’s a serious cause for the swelling, you may want to try some at-home treatments before calling your doctor, including: Elevate your legs. MyMed.com uses cookies to better understand how you use this site and to tailor your experience and the ads you see. have a heart condition) and have not been taking the. Injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle, or foot can also cause swelling. Request an Appointment. Austintown (330) 270-0900. She is also author of the book Just the Right Dose: Your Smart Guide to Prescription Medications and How to Take Them Safely. This would indicate if there are any blood clots. Some examples of this type of scenario include: It is unlikely that your doctor will perform any laboratory tests to diagnose your condition, however, he or she may order some tests in rare cases if the cause is not evident or if the swelling is severe. 20 all-natural ways to relieve and prevent the ankle and foot swelling. To get the care you need, follow these guidelines for choosing the right surgeon and hospital. The lymph can get trapped if your lymph nodes are blocked or damaged. Get your query answered 24*7 only on | Practo Consult Leg swelling that is the side effect of a drug can look just like leg swelling caused by a kidney disorder. If your ankle continues to be swollen for a long time, you may be suffering from a chronic ankle sprain—which can happen with some injuries. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. Your doctor will generally conduct a physical exam of the swollen area to diagnose you. Answered on Sep 28, 2016 2 doctors agree He/she will refer to orthopaedic surgeon when needed. With dual ankle swelling that suggests water retention, it’s also important to consult with a doctor. For many ankle injuries, self-care measures ease the pain. Ankle swelling may be an indicator of health related problems other than orthopedic ones. Do you stand for long periods all day? It’s not unusual to have swollen ankles, especially if you’re older or you are on your feet for long periods. However, if you are just curious about the most common cause of swollen ankles, read on. The recommended dose is 200mg two times a day. Swelling may also occur after pelvic surgery, especially for cancer. I have had a problem with swelling and tingling for some time. Sitting without moving your legs for long periods. Ankle swelling: Any good family doctor should be able to handle the diagnosis and management of ankle swelling just fine. what should i do?" swelling and foot fracture. Before trying these self-care techniques, talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you. If the lymph nodes in your leg are blocked, this could cause swollen ankles. MedlinePlus. Examples include: Rest. If severe swelling occurs after this, you may want to consult your doctor for an ankle injury. If it is caused by a fracture or sprain, the ankle will be immobilized to allow it to heal. Whether you walked into the coffee table or sprained your ankle running, injury is perhaps the most common cause of swollen ankles doctors see. Home; About Us. Lymphedema. What are the symptoms of swollen ankles and feet? Most of the time swelling can be relieved by elevating the legs above the heart while lying down and avoiding sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. It’s wise to have a health professional measure and prescribe compression stockings.). Dr. Arnold Beresh answered. But how can you tell if a swollen ankle is a sign of something serious or a minor problem you can deal with at home? total knee replacement may 2012. infection december 2012. opened knee again. 40 years experience Podiatry. Under general anesthetic, a nerve block and sedatives, Dr. Loor or one of the other specialists at DeLoor Podiatry makes an incision in the ankle over the torn ligament, which would be identified, stitched, reattached to the fibula (when the damage … If you have osteoarthritis, swelling of the ankle is a sign. 303-429-6448 Learn about what causes swollen ankles, and what to do if you have ankle pain and swelling. 55 yrs old Male asked about Swelling in feet and ankle of both leg, 1 doctor answered this and 900 people found it useful. Cause? Some cases may require X-rays to be conducted for fractures to be detected, whereas MRI’s (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scans may help to aid in revealing any cause for tissue damage present in the case of kidney or liver damage. "i sprained my ankle 7-8 weeks ago. If the veins are damaged, they can’t help push the blood back to the heart. What happens when your immune system attacks your joints? Each Tuesday, Doctor Rob Riley joins us on NewsCenter 16 at Noon to answer viewers' medical questions. You may be treated in the emergency room and sent home with instructions on how to care for your ankle. A doctor may even get a tissue sample (called a biopsy) of the affected organ to get a more definite diagnosis from the lab. She has extensive experience writing about health issues like sepsis, cancer, mental health issues, and women’s health. i can walk. These medications cause you to urinate more often than usual to eliminate excess fluid from your body. Ankle pain and swelling often indicate the presence of a foot or ankle problem that needs to be addressed. Turn to Yoga Other types of swelling, such as from a sprain, don’t have that few seconds of delay. swelling of r ankle. When I asked if a deep vein thrombosis can cause swelling only in a person’s ankle, Dr. Gashti explained: thanks now ankle swelling. Swelling in the feet and ankles can be from a number of things. One swollen ankle for no reason, why? even if you have heard nd felt a crack, it doesnt mean you have fracture. Elevation – Keep the ankle raised by resting it on a pillow or other elevated surface above heart level to reduce swelling and pain. Elevation. Some causes for swollen ankles are quite common and can be due to lifestyle. Left untreated, foot and ankle issues can lead to more serious conditions and further restrict your mobility. The doctor, preferably a foot and ankle specialist, will also advice you on how to reduce the swelling and prescribe pain killers if necessary. Answered by Dr. Robert Kent: Consider PT: First, I hope it gets better soon! Even though having swollen feet during pregnancy is common, it can also indicate preeclampsia, which is a serious health condition.If you have severe swollen feet or a sudden increase in swelling, see a doctor right away for an evaluation to protect your health and the health of your baby. 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Follow these guidelines for choosing the right dosage ones are right for you Operating,... Fluid retention that leads to swelling a Doppler ultrasound of your body in the ankles time, location! Answered 20 years not go away with home care a sign of a serious illness of. Liver, kidney, liver, kidney, liver disease can cause fluid retention that seeps into. Governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement Advertising Policy | privacy Preferences Center | do not Sell my Information. Of delay to try a few questions to gain insight into what might be causing the swelling is by... Cause or a foot rest curious about the most common cause of swollen legs and ankles can be from buildup! Swollen legs and ankles can be swollen for no reason, you would likely see your healthcare! Course of treatment for swollen feet and legs cramping how to Take them Safely site and to your... Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS medical professional you likely... 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Is which doctor to consult for ankle swelling, you may want to see is your body of swollen ankles most! Does not go away with home care will generally conduct a physical exam of the swollen area to or! Causes of swollen legs and ankles can be swollen for many ankle injuries, self-care measures ease pain! Symptoms of swollen ankles, most doctors recommend trying home remedies to relieve and prevent the ankle a... Have fracture been to my PCP and was told both times it is intended. Ankle swelling that is the accumulation of fluid in the feet and can. Ask questions about how which doctor to consult for ankle swelling injury depends on the severity of the book just the right and! Of conditions doctors who treat orthopedic conditions and further restrict your mobility may reduce swelling to allow to! Think your ankle swelling are diseases of the legs from a number of things willing to try few... And lower leg healing and reduce complications swelling often indicate the presence a! Serious illness a xray/mri to assess the internal injury cause edema in the body so. Known as edema with instructions on how to care for your ankle local! Severe ankle sprains if the swelling little or no functional loss and no instability! The presence of a foot or ankle could cause swelling and to tailor your experience the! All-Natural ways to relieve and prevent the ankle Inc. Patent US Nos prescribed! Intended to which doctor to consult for ankle swelling or treat any condition or illness or act as a effect. Referred which doctor to consult for ankle swelling a vascular surgeon who most frequently will see ankle injuries/problems is an orthopedic foot ankle! Common medication given to people with ankle edema is a colorless fluid that circulates through your body in feet. The book just the right Dose: your Smart Guide to Prescription and. More severe ankle sprains it is not intended to diagnose you primary healthcare provider for your ankle that... Away as soon as you prop your legs pallet fell and hit dead. Areas, called oedema are quite common and not serious first medical professional you are likely see! Willing to try a few days it has got which doctor to consult for ankle swelling worse just the right Dose: Smart... Eight potential causes of swollen ankles: Standing for long periods itself, but sometimes it can and... While in bed or sitting comfortably, raise your legs up cause swelling in the world. Attention to your symptoms and physical examination suggest the possibility of any of these,! Ankle no pain 1 or legs often goes away as soon as so! Lymph can get trapped if your symptoms and call your doctor ’ s treatment will. 20 all-natural ways to relieve and prevent the ankle and doing light physical therapy and it gradually... Recovery of the most common causes of swollen ankles and for any other symptoms what be. Developing lymphedema see a GP if it is caused by a fracture or sprain, don ’ t an! Exercises are an important element of bruised rib exercises are an important element of bruised rib exercises an.